Could anyone tell me if it's standard for title companies to raise fees EVERY year for the exact SAME service?

I noticed my search fee just went up $62 per property, and I assume my insurance fee went up too.

I'm wondering if I should research a new title company.

Just like all your other vendors.

Every vendor jacks up prices until they know you are shopping around.

Have you looked into any of the title companies that give you an ownership interest? I'm not making an endorsement, as I haven't done any research on this myself, but a number of banks in Central IL have joined up with Illinois Real Estate Title Center. http://www.iltitlecenter.com/about-us.htm

There are other banks that have taken an equity interest in title companies, too.

That's a good tip. I will research that.